Issue 61- "Parliament of Wisdom, Part III"

Words, Pencils/Inks: Heath Lail

 

You can tell a lot about a fellow's character by his way of eating jellybeans.- Ronald Reagan

The ultimate determinant in the struggle now going on for the world will not be bombs and rockets but a test of wills and ideas-a trial of spiritual resolve: the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish and the ideals to which we are dedicated.- Ronald Reagan

I wanted to start this issue with those opening comments. I hope you read them throughly, because we are going to delve into a deep meaning of what those words stand for in the "real world". Micah Ian Wright was a writer on DC Comics Stormwatch title. He was drawing an admirable amount of acclaim on the title. But then his big secret came out. Micah Ian Wright was NOT a Army Ranger in 1989, and DID NOT help dispose Manuel Noriega in Panama City. This was one of the lies he told his family, his friends, his colleagues at DC, and his fans. what makes a man, you say? Integrity makes up the biggest part of any true man, not just some guy with balls, and MIW did not have integrity. Instead, he led his family and friends to believe that he had been part of an elite team...that of our country's defenders, when in fact the whole thing was fabricated. Ronald Reagan, in his speech above, said that it is "the ideals to which we are dedicated" that will, in the end, show what kind of man we became during our lifetime. If we were loose with our morals and beliefs, changing them to satisfy others, then we were not men. Why would someone want to lie? Perhaps to make themselves more than they are, or to lead people to believe that they are, in fact, what they themselves have always sought to be....something more than liers. Remember to preserve your own moral set no matter what situation presents itself...stay true to who you are, lest you are battered by the tempest of life. If you love, love wholly...if you set yourself to a task, do not lay down half-way through and call it complete. I personally try to live a morally good life, presenting myself as a gentleman(a rare breed these days), but I don't see a need for someone to lie about themselves in order to better their stature, because in the end, you always get found out. Every time. I am too intrigued by this notion to write a well-thought out journal...the story simply blew me away when I first read it, so I'm still in shock that someone would do this. I will try to compose myself and put my thoughts here again later tonight in a more coherent form.     

Issue 60- "Parliament of Wisdom, Part II"

Words: Heath Lail and Friends, Pencils/Inks: Heath Lail

Here are a few clips of various articles from different websites that I thought you folks might want to wrap your head around....hope y'all enjoy, and remember, the Parliament of Wisdom is here for you to tap into at any time...simply root yourself here, and learn the Wisdom of the Ages. Onward and upward...

Enoch was the grandfather of Noah. The Book of Enoch chapter 68:1 "And after that my grandfather Enoch gave me all the secrets in the book and in the parables which had been given to him, and he put them together for me in the words of the book of the parables."

The Book of Enoch was extant centuries before the birth of Christ and yet is considered by many to be more Christian in its theology than Jewish. It was considered scripture by many early Christians. The earliest literature of the so-called "Church Fathers" is filled with references to this mysterious book. The early second century "Epistle of Barnabus" makes much use of the Book of Enoch. Second and Third Century "Church Fathers" like Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Origin and Clement of Alexandria all make use of the Book of Enoch. Tertullian (160-230 C.E) even called the Book of Enoch "Holy Scripture". The Ethiopic Church even added the Book of Enoch to its official canon. It was widely known and read the first three centuries after Christ. This and many other books became discredited after the Council of Laodicea. And being under ban of the authorities, afterwards it gradually passed out of circulation.

At about the time of the Protestant Reformation, there came to be a renewed interest in the Book of Enoch which had long since been lost to the modern world. By the late 1400's rumors began to spread that somewhere a copy of the long lost Book of Enoch might still exist. During this time many books arose claiming to be the long lost book and were later found to be forgeries.

The return of the long lost Book of Enoch to the modern western world is credited to the famous explorer James Bruce, who in 1773 returned from six years in Abyssinia with three Ethiopic copies of the lost book. In 1821 Richard Laurence published the first English translation. The famous R.H. Charles edition was published in 1912. In the following years several portions of the Greek text surfaced. Then with the discovery of cave 4 of the Dead Sea Scrolls, seven fragmentary copies of the Aramaictext were discovered.

There are scholars who believe the Book of Enoch was published before the Christian era by some great unknown of Semetic race, who believing himself to be inspired in a post-prophetic age, borrowed the name of an antediluvian patriarch to authenticate his own enthusiastic forcast of the coming Messiah. The Book of Enoch is divided into five basic parts, but it is the The Book of Parables (37-71) which gives scholars the most trouble for it is primarily concerned with a figure called "the messiah"; "the righteous one"; "the chosen one" and "the son of man."

The Book of Enoch Chapter 46:1-2 [1] There I beheld the Ancient of days whose head was like white wool, and with him another, whose countenance resembled that of a man. His countenance was full of grace, like that of one of the holy angels. Then I inquired of one of the angels, who went with me, and who showed me every secret thing, concerning this Son of man; who he was; whence he was; and why he accompanied the Ancient of days. [2] He answered and said to me, This is the Son of man, to whom righteousness belongs; with whom righteousness has dwealt; and who will reveal all the treasures of that which is concealed: for the Lord of spirits has chosen him; and his portion has surpassed all before the Lord of spirits in everlasting uprightness."

(1) 1 Enoch

Discovery of the "Lost Text"
"The Greek word pseudepigrapha is a Greek word meaning 'falsely superscribed,' or what we moderns might call writing under a pen name. The classification, 'OT Pseudepigrapha,' is a label that scholars have given to these writings."
     - Craig A. Evans, Noncanonical Writings and New Testament Interpretation, (1992) p. 22

"The Book of Enoch is a pseudepigraphical work (a work that claims to be by a biblical character). The Book of Enoch was not included in either the Hebrew or most Christian biblical canons, but could have been considered a sacred text by the sectarians."
     - Milik, Jazef. T., ed. The Books of Enoch: Aramaic Fragments of Qumran Cave 4

The Book of Enoch is "an ancient composition known from two sets of versions, an Ethiopic one that scholars identify as '1 Enoch', and a Slavonic version that is identified as '2 Enoch', and which is also known as The Book of the Secrets of Enoch. Both versions, of which copied manuscripts have been found mostly in Greek and Latin translations, are based on early sources that enlarged on the short biblical mention that Enoch, the seventh Patriarch after Adam, did not die because, at age 365, 'he walked with God' - taken heavenward to join the deity."
     - Zecharia Sitchin, When Time Began

 from http://reluctant-messanger.com/enoch.htm

next...

According to the continental drift theory, the supercontinent Pangaea began to break up about 225-200 million years ago, eventually fragmenting into the continents as we know them today.

Plate tectonics is a relatively new scientific concept, introduced some 30 years ago, but it has revolutionized our understanding of the dynamic planet upon which we live. The theory has unified the study of the Earth by drawing together many branches of the earth sciences, from paleontology (the study of fossils) to seismology (the study of earthquakes). It has provided explanations to questions that scientists had speculated upon for centuries -- such as why earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur in very specific areas around the world, and how and why great mountain ranges like the Alps and Himalayas formed.

Why is the Earth so restless? What causes the ground to shake violently, volcanoes to erupt with explosive force, and great mountain ranges to rise to incredible heights? Scientists, philosophers, and theologians have wrestled with questions such as these for centuries. Until the 1700s, most Europeans thought that a Biblical Flood played a major role in shaping the Earth's surface. This way of thinking was known as "catastrophism," and geology (the study of the Earth) was based on the belief that all earthly changes were sudden and caused by a series of catastrophes. However, by the mid-19th century, catastrophism gave way to "uniformitarianism," a new way of thinking centered around the "Uniformitarian Principle" proposed in 1785 by James Hutton, a Scottish geologist. This principle is commonly stated as follows: The present is the key to the past. Those holding this viewpoint assume that the geologic forces and processes -- gradual as well as catastrophic -- acting on the Earth today are the same as those that have acted in the geologic past.

from http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/historical.html

Finally...

Diagnostic Criteria

1. Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation), occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities (such as work or school performance).
   
   
2. The person finds it difficult to control the worry.
   
   
3. The anxiety and worry are associated with three (or more) of the following six symptoms (with at least some symptoms present for more days than not for the past 6 months).

   Note: Only one item is required in children.
   

   1. restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
      
      
   2. being easily fatigued
      
      
   3. difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
      
      
   4. irritability
      
      
   5. muscle tension
      
      
   6. sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless unsatisfying sleep)
      
      
      
      
   Featured Book

   
   
   Introduction:
   
   Diagnostic Criteria for the most common mental disorders including: description, diagnosis, treatment, and research findings. This list is a shortened version (incomplete) of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), published by the American Psychiatric Association, Washington D.C., 1994, the main diagnostic reference of Mental Health professionals in the United States of America.

   
   
   
   
   
   
4. The focus of the anxiety and worry is not confined to features of an Axis I disorder, e.g., the anxiety or worry is not about having a Panic Attack (as in Panic Disorder), being embarrassed in public (as in Social Phobia), being contaminated (as in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), being away from home or close relatives (as in Separation Anxiety Disorder), gaining weight (as in Anorexia Nervosa), having multiple physicalcomplaints (as in Somatization Disorder), or having a serious illness (as in Hypochondriasis), and the anxiety and worry do not occur exclusively during Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
   
   
5. The anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
   
   
6. The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism) and does not occur exclusively during a Mood Disorder, a Psychotic Disorder, or a Pervasive Developmental Disorder.
   
   Treatment
   1. Therapy
      
      • Psychotherapy: Most patients with mild symptoms can be treated with supportive counseling and education without need for medication.
        
        Other therapies: Relaxation training and cognitive therapy.
      
      
   2. General measures: Regular exercise and avoidance of caffeine and alcohol.
      
      Hope some of this is interesting to you...I believe that everyone needs to expand their horizons in reading, living, and loving. Live, love, and be happy to be alive. Good-night and by the way, since I missed my deadline by 58 seconds last night, I decided the book should go bi-daily for today, and perhaps tomorrow as well, so look for the numbers to spike rather quickly. Next ish...some thoughts of my own as the Parliament storyline rolls on!- H

Issue 59- " The Parliament of Wisdom"

Words: Heath Lail/Max Erhmann, Pencils/Inks: Heath Lail

Life is about friends, and how they can change your life. It is about love, it is about love. Love with all your heart, love everyday. Let the people you love know that, not once a week, but everyday. Strive to please Jesus and His Heavenly Father everyday, and live the best Christian life you can...live for him. Go read Sam's Journal...actually, here is the jist of it right here.

DESIDERATA
===========  
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what
peace there may be in silence.   As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms
with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; they
too have their story.   Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to
the spirit.   If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain
or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser
persons than yourself.   Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble, it's a
real possession in the changing fortunes of time.   Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world
is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what
virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and
everywhere life is full of heroism.   Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither
be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and
disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.   Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully
surrendering the things of youth.   Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden
misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark
imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and
loneliness.   Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and
the stars; you have a right to be here.   And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the
universe is unfolding as it should.   Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him
to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the
noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still
a beautiful world.   Be cheerful.   Strive to be happy.   Written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann

Love to all, Heath

Issue 58- "Have you driven a... Ford lately?"

Words, Pencils/Inks: Heath Lail

Well Robert and I worked on his truck last night for about two hours, and then we started back at noon today. It took us till 5 PM to finish, but "The Ford" is back in business, baby! 16 years old, and she starts up like a brand new one...we hadda replace the tranmission housing and the flywheel, but now that the ardous task is complete, the Ford should run for another 16 years...especially since Bubba and I are gonna try to rebuild most of the truck this summer. Anywho, I gotta run cause I'm tired, but you guys have a great day tomorrow, and I'll talk to you later.

H

Issue 57- " Shock and Awesome"

Words, Pencils, Inks: Heath P. Lail

Guess what folks? I just pulled in from work about a half hour ago and looked inside my aunt and uncle's garage, and was suprised to see....a 2004 F-150 XL Sport pickup sitting where my uncle's 98 S-10 should be. He went and traded that truck in and got a brand-new styled Sport! God, I just felt awed by the truck...it was like it was supposed to be mine because it rode right, it stopped right; it FELT right. So, I have decided that I am gonna do whatever it takes to try and pay mine off in four years instead of six, and buy me a truck like that. If I have to go to FedEx or something like that for a year or so to save up enough to make a dent in my notes, that is what I'll do. I would love to have that truck paid off in three years, but it just isn't possible unless I take up three jobs and don't return to school until next fall. If I had three jobs and worked like seven days a week, then perhaps I could double up on the notes, and have the truck paid off in a year!ASee, we owe around 12000 on the truck now, and if we doubled up on the payment, then we'd be paying around 500 a month, so in two months, you could pay off 1/12 of the total bill! It would be great, and if I didn't need money in my bank accounts so badly, I would just take 200 or so of what I'll make from the movie, and put it right down on a payment. Anyway, as you can see, I'm excited about these new trucks again, so I'm gonna go before I pop from excitement! Later folks...

H

Issue 56- "The Forever Dance"

Words, Pencils/Inks: Heath P. Lail

Well guys, unfortunately I don't have anything to add tonight either. I am simply too beat to get into anything deep, but here is poem I just cooked up....

The Forever People

You watch silently as cities rise and fall,

Countries, planets, you have seen them all.

Still you ponder, even wonder, what it is that makes life go on.

You come descended from a dead race,

Serving as watchers to understand your place

In the Great Scheme of things.

Looking down upon us all, do you understand the significance

Of Nightfall? We go outside underneath the stars…

Young boys and girls inside parked cars; professors watching silent space…

Looking upwards towards your face, but all alone it seems you are,

Because you are so ever far away from those who seek to find you.

Will you be content to watch forever

Or will your race become so clever they will come to overthrow

Our precious balance within the universe? Look at us and marvel, dead one…

We alone stand speaking testament to the Scheme’s greatest aspirations.

Be content to watch and learn or we will find you;

Then you will burn.

HPL

G'night...love to you all.

Issue 55- "Murky Poetry"

Words, Pics, Inks: H. P. L.

Here is a selection of poems I wrote a while back...gimme your feedback on them. I'm not feeling good tonight, so I'm kinda gimping it tonight, but I promise to be back up to 100 percent by tomorrow night or Saturdaqy at the latest...love to you all...Heath

Intrigue

In the crash of waves
Her heartbeat quickens;
Pulse skips a beat.

Looking into her eyes,
A hint of something
Beautiful-a dandelion
In its first blossoming.

Holding her body is exquisite;
The tighter you grasp her,
The more powerful she feels.

The brilliant dandelion explodes--
Red, yellow, and subtle, quieter greens.
A rush of power. Pulsating Orange...deepening, then releasing
Ending with somber tones Of golden amber.

Heath Parker Lail

Sunshine

The crying's done, the Sun's come out.
I feel that now, without a doubt,
My life will change for the best...
Leaving behind all the rest.

Looking back, I understand.
I was more of a boy, less of a man.
Yet now I stand, my head held proud
Looking up, not cowering down.

I know now what must be done-
Make my Father proud, and His Son.
I miss all those who left me
But I must move on, so not to shame One
Who gave His life that I might Live.

I've made mistakes...
I've apologized...
Now I must leave it to others to criticize.
The Sun is out, I'm moving on.

Heath Parker Lail

Universality

Bright dots against dark canvas.
We look each night, wondering
Why you burn so bright
That even billions of light years away,
You shine through night clear as day.

Are there stories to tell?
Are you a Heaven, or Hell?
Ancient and dying, or young and vibrant?
Are you simply gas, or solid?
We seek to know these things.
Tell us now, before your glow
Dims and fades, and you die...
Ne'ermore to light the sky.

Heath Parker Lail

Dreams

Recently I dreamed in nights
Of restless sleep. Dreamt of love,
Pure and true, a lost sailor's beacon.

Showing me the ugliness in mine
Heart, but the love also; It whispers
Of wrongs I seek to repair,
Hands are of no use.
I speak, they Turn away;
Refuse to listen.
They laugh cruelly,
With faces evil. Counsel comes from One
Who Loves me, Though others refuse
Mine Love for them...

I am not afraid anymore.

Heath Parker Lail

Hope you like these...it will give you a good look into the window to my inner soul. G'night all

Issue 54- "Risings"

Words, Pics, Inks: Heath P. Lail

Many times, people have asked me why I love comic books. They say that comics are bad for children because of all the violence, but my response to that is simply, "well if parents paid more attention to what their child was looking at, perhaps they could come to a more clear-cut decision about what really affects their kids." Comic books have a rating system these days...if Johnny is 7, don't pick up anything with a Explicit Contents box, or you might be suprised what is in these funny books these days. I personally feel that comics do make a much greater impact on the population than most credit it with. I have read Spider-Man comics since I was nine years old, and today I began to wonder if I should continue to purchase all of the titles. I mean, it takes up a great deal of my personal income each month, and sometimes the stories are not all that interesting...I guess the Veitch and Moore runs on ST ruined me, but with the average price of a comic being $2.25 or more these days, sometimes I just don't feel like I'm getting my money's worth some months. Today I picked up Amazing Spider-Man number 509, the title that I have collected more issues of than any other book I've ever read on a consistent basis. The original title ran for 441 issues, roughly forty years, and I have collected roughly 210 or more issues of that series. They renumbered the book with issue 1 around 5 years ago, and when the time came, they switched back to the original numbering with issue 500. Anyway, I opened the book to see the new artists' rendering of my favorite characters, and I was pleasantly suprised...by the writer's story. A guy named J.M. Stracynski writes the book, and you may or may not remember him as the guy who was the brain-child of Babylon 5, a sci-fi TV epic a few years back. His stuff has been terrific so far, but I was dissappointed that my favorite artist on the title was leaving with 508, so I guess I've just been reading for the sake of reading. Get yourself strapped in kids, cause I'm fixing to spin your heads around. Wayyyyy back in issue 122 of the original run, Spider-Man was dating Gwen Stacy, a blonde bombshell. Well the Green Goblin was zipping around on his glider and knocked her off a parapice on the Brooklyn Bridge. Spidey tried to grab his beloved with a piece of web-line, but when he pulled her up, she was dead. There has been arguments as to whether the Goblin killed her, or Spider-Man snapped her neck by pulling the web-strand to stop her descent. Anyway, he was extremely upset over Gwen's death, and 123 ends with the Goblin dying, impaled by his own glider. Peter Parker loved Gwen Stacy like no other...she was his first true love, and he would have gladly died in her stead if it were possible. So with issue 509, someone sends Peter a page of a letter from Gwen, written before her untimely demise. It ends abruptly, just as she is about to tell Peter something very important. Human emotion....that is why I love Spider-Man. Because somehow, deep down inside, I can connect with the character of Peter Parker, and the trials and tribulations he faces month in and month out.  He was picked on as a kid, and so was I. He has had rather tough girl trouble, and God knows so have I. He is intelligent, and so am I(I would like to think). There are a multitude of things connecting me with Spider-Man, and that is why he is and will be my favorite character. Everyone has been picked on as a kid, everyone has had girl-boyfriend problems, everyone has felt responsible for letting a important figure in their life down. Spider-Man could easily have been called Every-Man, and sold just as well. There is a human factor to these great characters, and that is their staying power. I just finished reading the new Captain America series issue number 1 again. It too reminded me of the power of comic books to convey principle and force all-too-much human pain to a person's surface. It deals with the aftermath of September 11, 2001. It shows Cap standing in the rubble of the World Trade Center, helping search for survivors. These characters do what they do not because they have to, but out of a sense of obligation...they realize that they posess abilities far above those of Joe Schmoe, and they choose to use that power to ensure the contiuation of the triumph of the greater good over the forces of evil. The storyline really touched a chord inside of me, forcing me to look at the horrible atrocities that we can inflict upon each other with little to no regard for human life. At the same time, Captain America reminds us that we can stand against evil...not in the same way as he does, but each of us posesses the will to live, and we should be willing to fight for that right for those who are unable to themselves fight. I hope next time you think about comics, you will see that there is more to them than spandex-clad heroes in tights.

H 

Issue 53- "Pond Scum"

Words, Pics, Inks: H. P. Lail

As I have learned by reading the Alan Moore penned-issues of Swamp Thing, coupled with serious philosophical thinking, close-mindedness is one of human's most dangerous traits. It causes arguments, strife within families, and helps lead this world deeper into chaos, in general. We must learn to not only act, but we must learn to ponder why we do the things we do, or why we hold the views that we do. Is it the popular viewpoint, are you holding it to impress someone, or simply playing Devil's Advocate? Why we do what we do is one of the universe's greatest mysteries, but I don't think it is completely unsolvable. Perhaps it requires us to do something we humans are not comfortable with...look inside ourselves, and face who we truly are? Introspection, as it were. People don't have time for introspection these days...they are far too busy playing video games, gobbling down the latest Big Mac in order to make it back to work before lunch is over, staying locked indoors. Why are we so in love with seculsion that we seek to immerse ourselves in a world where we are the Alpha being? I used to see people walking outside all the time, tending to yards, or simply visiting. Now, people look at you strange if you knock on their door, although you have lived two houses down for twenty years. Just STOP. Look at yourself. Who are you? No, not what is your name. No, not what is your social security number. No, not what profession do you work in, but WHO ARE YOU!? What aspirations live inside of you that makes you unique in all of creation? We all bleed, and if you hold us under water we drown, but those are simple similarities. What makes you special? Think about that, and I want to thank Mr. Steve Bissette for giving me inspiration for my Journal tonight. I sent him a copy of the Bush picture that Sam's Mom sent me last night, and he responded this morning with this, in part:

"I never let politics flare
into personalized anger, though there's plenty to be
angry about. But I hope you will put a bit more
thought into the CONTEXT of these kinds of internet
campaigns (which is what the email you sent me is, a
campaign commercial) before sending them on to one and
all.

I have no doubt, nor have I ever doubted, that Bush
was capable of human warmth, feeling, and expression.
I am sure that, when the opportunities present
themselves, he is as kind and charitable a fellow on a
one-on-one level as any man might be.

Thus, I don't doubt the validity of this story.

But he and his administration have also subscribed to
placing this nation on a path I for one consider
destructive, reprehensible, and unjustifiable under
any circumstances."

Think about what he said...did he say, "I'm right, your wrong?" No, and that is why I greatly admire this fellow, because instead of responding like a jerk and simply telling me that the e-mail was stupid, he gave reasons for his opinion, (whether they be right or wrong) and he stated that it was his own opinion, and he would not force it down others throats. What he did is the thing that I do not see anymore in my fellow Americans...critical thinking. Any man can tell another that his opinion is simply wrong, but a critical thinker justifies his or her ideals with proof. I respectfully replied to Steve that his opinions did not match mine, but neither of us ever got threatening or tried to force our opinion on the other guy. I think if more people had the ability to think critically, then perhaps we wouldn't be at each others throats constantly, and the world would therefore become a much better place. G'night all...gotta go to work in the AM.

H

Issue 52- "Swamp Gumbo"

Words, Pics, Inks: H.P. Lail

Hullo guys. I prolly won't say much because I'm tired after spending the wee hours of the morning sparring words with Sam over my secret. She has to pony up on hers' some time, although I think I have guessed the big secret. Sam, IM if I'm still on when you read this...I wanna see if I'm right. Anyway, I dug out part of a ditch today and earned myself a few shillings, so I ran back up to River Records to see if I could find any of the three remaining Swamp Thing issues I need to complete Rick Veitch's run on the series(which, by the way, now that I've almost collected the whole run in individual issues, DC decided to release 65-70 in a trade paperback around September). I lucked up and found issue 66, leaving me with 83-84 as the only two issues left to complete Rick's run on the book. Hopefully I'll be able to find them at Comics and Collectibles some time in the future, though they are currently out of those books. I realized something about this series...I realized that the creators really LOVED these characters...you really got your buck-fifty worth out of each and every issue of this title if you bought it monthly back in the early to mid-eighties. It is easy to skim through three of four books a night these days( if not in a half hour), but if I am going to read Swamp Thing, it is a task that must be handled like food. One must not attempt to overindulge in the stories in this series, because the scale is just too damn big...you'll find yourself in big trouble if you try to read more than two or so issues in one night. There is so much going on in the book that if you try to simply thumb through it, you'll never understand the deep meaning to each and every issue of the storyline. I would recommend thie title to anybody who wishes to indulge in some deep thinking and be forwarned....you'll start questioning a lot of things you thought you understood. They will go from being clear as mud, to as sparlking as a diamond. Happy reading...oh by the way Sam, I purchased Walking Dead number eight the other night if you could swing by tomorrow night after work, or I can come by your place later in the week.

H

Issue 51- "Father's Day"

Words, Pencils(not really), Inks(not really, either):  H. Lail

Hey guys, hope Father's Day went off without a hitch. My family and I went to Colton's in Olive Branch for lunch, and we had a really great time. We all got a good meal, and Brandon and I got to hang out with Dad most of the day, which is a rare occasion.We got the Yazoo running again, but I have a bad feeling that this still might be the last season that she is our lawnmower. She is gettin up in years, after all. The only other bad news that I have is that it doesn't appear that I am going to get my Papaw's truck back, because it is Grenada, and I can't find a dealer that seems to want to deal with me, plus, I have no money, so how would I pay anybody anything for the truck? It goes on Auction on the 29th I think. But enough of my bellyaching. Sam, I don't know what is eating at you, but I am begging you to talk to me or someone about what is happening in your life. I know that you and I have had our differences lately, but please don't forget that I am still your friend, and you are mine likewise, and that means that we should help each other out with situations like this. It kills me that only a few months ago we used to have great hours-long conversations about anything and everything, but now, you've clammed up on me. I miss those talks, and I think we are both worse off because we don't do that anymore. It gave us both a place to vent our frustrations, and now we have no one to turn to when we are dealing with tough issues. I know we DO have other people, but nobody really clicks with me as well as you, and I think it is the same with you. Please feel free to discuss what is going on with me. I will try to help you through it. At least give me a chance. I think you owe me that much. I'm gonna run now, because I'm getting tired of typing, but if ANYBODY ever needs to talk, please, feel free. I'm all ears. Love to you all...

H

Issue 50! "The Funny Side of Life"

Whew...I needed that break. I had writers block last night equal to writing, pencilling, and inking the same story for at least two years. Promise I won't go nowhere for at least another ten "issues". I went to work today, and Cole and I had a great time instead of being bored. I bought three books tonight, and one of them was called Dr. Blink, Superhero Shrink. It is absolutely great. I was highly impressed. Instead of taking themselves too serious, these guys blended real psychological jargon with superhero antics, such as the obligatory fight between Superheroes who have never met. Also, a kid came in the store who sounded like Linda Blair in the Exorsist when he coughed. Cole and I were rolling on the floor by the time he left. I also bought the Walking Dead number eight, which was NOT funny, because...well, if Sam ever reads it, I don't wanna ruin it fer her. Overall, I had a really cool day...I'm jazzing on my Zen book again, Swamp Thing. Unfortunately, I'm running out of Rick Veitch written issues, and I'm not sure I wanna keep reading after issue 87. All I need to complete my run on the book is issues 66, 83 and 84. So that makes all the Alan Moore books collected in six volumes, which ran from 21 through 64, and Rick took over from 65 through 87. I'm really impressed with the high value of the book...it didn't become lighthearted or silly when Rick took over. Instead, Mr. Veitch continued down the same path that Alan had trod, and in my opinion, did a magnificent job of maintaining the characters flavors that made each of them special in the first place. In closing, tell your Dads that you love'em, and show them tomorrow. Later.

H

Two Showers and a Partridge in a....

Well gang, I stunk today too, but I had to have two showers because the first time, I just needed a shower to get the grime off from Wednesday, but the second time, I needed a shower was because I used the weedeater to cut about half the yard. The Yazoo may be on its last legs folks, but if so, it has been a Helluva lawnmower. We bought it wayyyy back in 1988, and used it for commercial grass from then until the middle of last year, when Dad went in the hospital and we retired Lail Lawn Service to the great big Business Card in the Sky. It has gone above and beyond the call of duty, clocking in over 2300 hours, perhaps even 2500 or so. 2300 HOURS I said...think about how much grass that is, since our biggest yard when we did commercial was around 3 hours long. That is a lot of grass. I hope the mower can be repaired though...it is just the idler on it, but we can't get the darn thing off to replace it, so here's to hoping we don't break it tomorrow when we try to pry it off. Anywho, I had already gotten cleaned up once, but I came home and walked for about thirty minutes, and then went out there and weedeated for at least an hour, although as hot as it was outside, it felt like an eternity. I looked like a sweaty ball of grease by the time I decided to quit, so I came in, my new shoes green, as well as my jeans, and my brand-new Catawba County shirt that my cousins brought for me was quite a few shades darker grey than when I started due to the three or four pounds I sweated off in the process. But you know what? I am proud of what I got done, and I'm gonna get up in the morning and finish the job while it is cool. It was fun to go out there and work up a good sweat....I haven't done it in quite a while, in fact I think that is perhaps the most amount of time I've ever used the weedeater, because I was damn sure sweatier than I've ever been before in my life. I had a good day, the start of Heath Lail's Personal Road to Fitness...I can't get too fit though, as I'm supposed to wear a 40 size pair of pants for my part in the movie, and I already have my wardrobe picked out for me, so I can't change now. I'm around 175 pounds, and about to squeeze outta my 34 jeans. I've worn 34s for so long, I simply walk into Sears, grab three pairs of 505 Levi's, pay and walk out. I don't have to try them on, so I don't wanna ruin that routine. I hope to drop back to 160, where I was around two years ago at Star Foods. I'm gonna get outta here now, so I can get up and finish weedeating in the AM. Have a good day, and if it eludes you at the beginning, then happy hunting. Later

H

 

Movie Madness Part the First

Well gang, I went to a fitting for my role as an extra in the Johnny Cash movie Walk the Line. It looks to be shaping up into a really cool picture, although I am not personally a huge JC fan. I met a really cool guy named David who hooked me up with some fine threads, if I do say so myself. Unfortunately, none of the big stars were there today while I was there, but hopefully I'll get to cross paths with them sometime during the making of the pic. Hope all is well with you...I'm tired so I'm gonna turn in early, but I hope y'all have a great day tomorrow. Love to you all.

H

Bad coupla' days

I'm determined to continue my Journal, although Sam has taken a sabbatical from hers apparently, but if things get much worse, I too shall need time away from reminding myself of each day's events. Today, I called the guy from Tri-State Salvage to discuss the possibilty of me getting my Papaw's truck back, and he never called me back. That upset me, because my timetable is growing thin...the truck is up for auction on the 29th. We have been checking with other insurance companies, and things look bleak there, as well...the two companies we checked today want around 400 A MONTH to cover me, and we just can't afford that. I will pray voraciously about both of those items tonight. Sam is pissed at me, and I am going to a clothing rehersal tomorrow wayyy up on South Hollywood in Memphis after work, so I am about on wit's end after the last few days. I could really use your friendship right now Sam. Honestly...I need you. I feel like things are just spiraling out of control, and the harder I grasp at things, the more stuff falls apart, and I need someone to talk to who will listen, and you were always that person. Every time. I know I failed you sometimes, but you were ALWAYS there. Please talk to me, 'cause I need you to help me....please.

H

Movie Mayhem

Well, the people from the Johnny Cash movie called me back today, and I have to shoot July 6-9, then again on the 12th. I have to go in for a fitting on Wednesday afternoon, after I get off work, so this ought to be fun. I'm not yet sure if I will have a speaking role, or if I'm simply gonna be peon number two, but it will be a blast either way. I'm tired after last night's post and not sleeping well last night, so I'm turning in early. Hope everyone had a good day, and best to all tomorrow as well. Later

H

Through the looking glass....

Well, I just got through talking to Samantha. It was a rather one sided conversation until I brought up the fact that her nephew uttered the statement that she was getting dressed to go on a date with me last night. We have recently discussed just being friends, and I figured that she would get a chuckle out of this, but instead she became deadly serious, and I'm not sure why. I was just making a comment that I found odd in the delivery of its timing, but she took it to mean that I saw more into it than what was there. At least that is what I think she was thinking. I have moved on from Samantha because she doesn't want me as a lover, but just as a friend. I told her the other night that I am fine with whatever she is comfortable with, as long as I can maintain at least a casual friendship with her. I really like hanging out with Samantha....she makes me laugh, and we enjoy at least some similar hobbies, she is just fun to be around. It seems that my spirits are risen just be being around her. I can't figure out why she is so pissed at me. Maybe she doesn't want to be my friend because she thinks she has hurt me, but I am happy just to be friends. Maybe she doesn't care that she hurt me, but it hurts her to be around me. I dunno anymore. I just want her to be happy...that is all I've ever wanted. Y'know I've got to be frank with you too Sam...I loved you, yes that is true, but I could tell from the last few months that you were treating me differently than in the past. You were distant, you will not hold a serious conversation about your feelings with me anymore(like tonight, when you ducked out), and you just didn't seem interested in being very close to me anymore. It hurt me when you kissed me about two months back that night when you were drinking, but when I asked you the next night for a goodnight kiss, you told me "I'm not drunk tonight". Do you know how that made me feel? I knew then you didn't want me. I just ignored it. I tried harder....I came over and rode four-wheelers, effectively blinding me for the next twenty-four hours because of my allergies. But you know what, I had a helluva time that night. That was the most fun I'd had in about two or three years. I have to thank you for that...it felt great. I noticed it when you watched movies over at Brian and Jess's...when you invited Dustin and Morgan, then put them in between you and I in order to discourage me from getting too close to you. I noticed all this, but I cared about you enough that I wanted to at least be your friend, if nothing else. As long as you and I could hang out, that was the most important thing. Because I had a great time with you. I still want to hang with you, but if you don't feel comfortable being around me, just tell me. It won't hurt my feelings as much as it does when you are short with me and I don't understand why. Please tell me what I've done wrong, and how I can fix our friendship. Later.

H 

Old Friends

Well guys, I had a really good day...I got to work and realized that we had received a couple of McFarlane Elvis action figures. They were styled after his suit and stage in the 1968 Comeback Special. He was wearing a black leather suit and had his guitar, as well as a part of the stage, and a chair. I immediately called Sissy to ask her if she would be interested, and she said yes. So she is gonna send me a check and I'll pick it up Wednesday for her, and give it to her the next time we see each other. I also got to see Brian, Cole's former boss, and our mutual friend. He moved away from the business three and a half years in order to work for Home Depot in Horn Lake, and now enjoys manager status at that store. It is the first time I've seen Brian in around four or five years I guess...it was really great to see him and see that he is doing well. I wish him the best if I don't see him again for five more years. Cole and I played MVP Baseball on the PS2 today for part of the day, although we were too busy most of the time to do anything but take care of customers. Oh, before I forget, I was once again bestowed the honor of being a nominee for Poet of the Year 2004 by the International Library of Poets or some other similarly named-Society. I consider this a great honor, and I have to thank Samantha House for her inspiration for many of my personal favorite works of my own. After work, I ran by Brian and Jessica's to drop off LOTR to Sam and Co. so they can watch it tomorrow, although I won't be able to see it with them because I'm going to Covington w/ my folks to see my cousin Jimmy. Hope you guys enjoy the movie...it is a great one, I promise....it lives up to the hype that Sam and I instilled upon the first two. Anywho, I'm sorry I missed you tonight Sam, but I'm sure we can hang out some other time. Hope y'all have a good weekend, and I'll catch ya later. Love to you....

H

To have loved and lost

Well, my friends, I've done it now....I have killed my friendship with Samantha. "The Conversation" finally happened last night, and although it looked as though perhaps we could be friends, the discussion evetually turned wayyy far south, and now I don't think Sam will wany anything to do with me. I miss her. I miss her as a love, but I miss her friendship more than anything. I felt that I could tell her anything, and my confidance would never be broken. I now feel empty inside, kinda like a hollow shell, because sometimes, it was her spark that kept me motivated to strive on when it seemed like every other candle had been extinguished and my battle was futile. She listened to me, something no one else has ever been willing to do. She alone understood the pain I felt with Papaw's passing...we were soul mates. And I think, even if we never talk again, we are still soul mates. Sam, you know me like no other, and even though we don't have those great four hour phone conversations anymore, I still know you pretty damn well. I know that you didn't mean to hurt anyone in this friendship we had...and I never meant to hurt you. I just thought that if we gave it one more try, it could work, because we  have both matured since trying our relationship out over four years ago. We had become closer to understanding each other than we ever were before, and perhaps I mistook a friendly caring for true love. You were and are very special, and there will always be a place in my heart for you. Please forgive me for making you cry...I never intended to upset you last night. I just wanted to be frank with you. 100 percent honest with you, because you deserve no less than that. I'm going to get ready to go over to Southaven now, to get my tires and oil done, but I hope that we can somehow salvage this friendship, and get through this. Please don't let this friendship lie on the ground, shattered into a million pieces. Not for either of our sakes, because you told me last night that you don't "see me like that", but I don't see our friendship dying like this. I hope you have a good day at work, and I will still drop LOTR off after work tomorrow if you want....just let me know, ok?  I miss you...

Heath

Pied Piper's Pickled Peppers of Poetry

Well, I'm not gonna say much tonight because I have already let my feelings out in a poem. I felt like writing tonight, as I am kinda tired and lonely after my family left. They were a blast to have around, and although we did so much stuff that I got tuckered out by Wednesday, I really had a great time while they were here. I laughed more than it should be legally allowed, enjoying seeing my cousin Jimmy, and listening to him try to hit on all the women we saw at Graceland. My cousin Sissy is in love with Elvis, and I stand in awe of her intellectual capabilities which equal and perhaps surpass my own. They are really nice people, and I wish them nothing but the best until we see each other again. I'm tired after dealing with running around Memphis with Mom today, so I'll catch y'all later. G'night Sam...talk to you later.

H

Ohhhh....I'm tellin....

Sam, Sam, Sam....you just didn't make it on soon enough to put a Journal entry up last night did you? It's ok...you let me slide the other night, I guess I can let you go on this. Just don't let it happen again.:) I Love you hon, just trying to pick at you. My family went back today...they left the house a little after 6 this morning, and they were supposed to sleep in Scottsboro, Alabama tonight, before finishing their drive tomorrow. I think they should be home by 3 tomorrow afternoon. I have not laughed so hard or so much in years...literally. They were really funny, and fun to be around in general. I hope to see them again before another twenty years. My cousin Sissy, her brother, and their mother Margaret all came over. Sissy is really a cute little hobbit. She is 34, but doesn't look a day over 25. Her brother is 39, but he acts worse than I do. He was on the plane on the way over here and met a Hungarian woman, and he offered to buy her some food, thinking she said she WAS hungry. That one joke right there was worth his whole trip coming. Their mother is a really sweet woman who is really very kind, but also hobbit-sized. I miss them already. I am gonna drive up there one day and spend a few nights with them. They wanted me to fly, but I would feel safer driving. I'm gonna turn in, but I love you all, and I hope to write something significant here again since my family is gone...I felt that I should devote most of my energy to them while they were here, so I haven't really read anything while they were here. I'll have something deep tomorrow, perhaps. G'night....

H

Last day with my family

Well, my family and I went to Tunica today, and I won 20 buxs. It was really fun down there, but it ain't something I would wanna do on a regular basis...too much gas would be spent. We finished Sissy's tour of Graceland by visiting all the shops that were closed yesterday because we got done with the tour of the house so late yesterday. I gotta run so Dad and Jimmy can get some shuteye...they both have to leave around 6 in the morning. Oh, I went to Sam's house(Jessica's house actually) tonight, and showed her the Captain America statue that I bought today...it was really neat, and I actually think Sam was impressed. Anywho, I'm signing off for tonight...much love to you all. Later

H

Whew.....

Well folks...I'm beat. After church this morning, my family and I got together and drove to Bumpus Harley wayyyy out on Whitten Road in Bartlett so that Aunt Margaret and cuz Sissy could buy some Harley stuff for Jimmy back home.  After that, we all went to the Olive Garden for lunch...I'm still full! Then I split up from them in my truck and drove to the Comics store on Poplar, then met up with them downtown around Peabody Place and chilled there all afternoon. I'm bushed, and I still haven't gotten to read my comics yet, so I'm gonna get off here and turn in. Hope y'all had a great day, and I'll try to write a bit more thoughful entries in the coming days. Love you all...

H 

Starry-eyed

Well, two things happened today: First, I tried out for a part in another movie. This one is called Walking the Line, and it is of course about Johnny Cash. I starred in Cookie's Fortune wayyyy back in 1998, and I think it would be coll to be in another movie in that same small capacity, so here's to hoping. Secondly, Sam called and asked me to come hang out with her and her family tonight. That was really fun, because we went to the Guadalajara Restaurant, then back to Brian and Jess's house. Sam was asleep when Brian and I returned from Wal-Mart, but I think she is up now, so I'll go try to chat with her for a minute....I'm glad that we got to hang out tonight Sam. I was really bored before you called, but it was great to see you tonight, and I promise that next weekend will not be ruined. I know you would literally kill me if something were to happen, so I promise that I will bring that movie over and watch it with you. Anywho, I'm gonna run, talk to you all later.

H

Nice guys finish last...except when they finish first

Well folks..Sam got pissed at me. I screwed up her idea to watch all three Lord of the Rings movies in one day by waiting for my family from North Carolina to come in. It is ok though, because I got to see some of my family that I have not seen ion almost 15 years, so I'm really happy. Plus, I'm gonna try to get another acting gig by going to a casting call for a Johnny Cash movie tomorrow afternoon. That outghta be fun. My cousin Sissy, who is like a cute little doll, is gonna try out too, but I think they were joking about that since she'll have to go back to North Carolina soon. I'm just getting ready for bed now, kinda excited of the idea that perhaps I could get another part, perhaps a true on-screen speaking part this time. Anywho, take care, and Sam, we'll watch that movie when I get time, since you said have things to do tomorrow night. :) Later

H

Inspiration comes from Unexpected places

A touching poem. A gentle touch from a lover or close friend. An unspeakable horror witnessed. These things make us stand up and take notice of just how special life is. Until today, I never thought that a 13 inch statue could spark so much emotion in me...I was suprised, in fact. A few months back, I ordered a statue from Previews...it was a Captain America piece. He looked somber, holding pieces of a tattered flag in his hand. It looked very awesome, but I did not truly think of the magnitude of its impact until it shipped today to Horn Lake and I actually got to view it. His face pointed down, his eyes are closed. He is intently focused on something he has witnessed, deep in thought about why the action happened. Immediately, September 11, 2001 is brought to mind. In his hands, two different flags can be placed. One, a pristine copy of Old Glory. The other is the tattered remains of a Once-Proud Flag, who stood its ground thought it was assaulted by enemy forces. Captain America himself is a tragic character...he was the champion of WWII, then mysteriously disappeared for years(he was put in a state of suspended animation by falling into the icy waters of the north Atlantic and then frozen into a block of ice), and subsequently found and revived years later. He is a man of the past...1945 seems like yesterday to him, and it is simply shocking to him how many changes have befallen man since his disappearance in WWII. He is constantly awed and shocked by how ruthless the villians or terrorists are, unable to believe that human conscience has allowed people to become so low. In this piece, he stands fixed in time, trying to find reason in a situation where hate overruled all reasoning. It was simply awe-inspiring to look upon the pain instilled in this statue...the sense of confusion is apparent after a glanced viewing. Yet, there is a proud defiance in this statue as well. It says that no matter how cruel we may be to each other, every person must continue to stand up and fight for what rights belong to them. We must live every day as thought it were our last. Tell people who you are, what you believe, and tell those you love that you DO love them every day. Don't be shy, or else that person may never know you have cared for them. I agree with the statement: "Better to loved and lost than never to have loved at all." Love everyone, but stand firm in your beliefs. I love you greatly, Sam. I love everyone who reads this....pleasetake the time to think about how you act everyday and if you are ashamed, change it. Look inside yourself to find who you want to be, then strive for that goal. G'night and love to all...

H

No Work!

Yippee! I didn't have to work today thanks to the holiday Monday. What's that? I have to work with James on Thursday? Well....perhaps that wasn't such a hot thing there:( James is an arsehole, but I will manage. Hope everybody had a great day...I'm tired because I woke up this morning at 8:30 and started cutting grass, putting up an equally exhausted Yazoo lawnmower around 11 o clock. I cut my yard, my aunt and uncle's yard next door, and managed to cut a small portion of the next door neighbor's grass since he has been too busy to cut it, and therefore allowed it to grow so thick that our commercial mower with a four foot deck had to roll over it twice before it didn't bog down. Anywho, I had a pretty good day though...I am gonna go to work tomorrow, then Friday I am gonna go to Country Ford for their assistance: I wtecked my Papaw's wonderfully beautiful 96 Ford F-150 around March, totalling the truck out. Stupidly, I did not offer to purchase the truck back, and it now lies in a salvage yard in Grenada. I am gonna ask Wayne Bloodsworth, the guy who sold my folks and I my new truck at Country, if they are a registered dealer for that auction yard, seeing as how that is the only way I can even see the truck again. Hopefully he'll say yes, and I can get the ball rolling on getting the truck back...Hell, the place bought the truck for 80 bucks! I figure that since I was not offered by the insurance company to purchase the truck back, I should have first crack at it, perhaps I can get it back for 100 dollars. That would be nice...to make sure that the truck is not scrapped out. Anywho, I'm going to turn in now, but I hope to talk to you all later. G'night.

H

Re: Things from Sam

Sam, I just wanted to say again....thanks for all the cool stuff you brought me from Gatlinburg. You really got a lot of cool stuff up there, and you apparently had a ball, so I'm glad you got that getaway...you deserved it. Anywho, I tried to get my nerf bars on tonight with the help of my buddy Robert, but after an hour and a half of being stumped, we decided to call it a night around 7:30. Hopefully he found the instruction manual online, and we can get them on soon. Then around 9:30 I finally got away from Rob and Amber, and headed to Sam's house. She bought a lot of cool stuff, like the incense burner, and those candy sticks in the jar...I thought the Dixie Outfitters shirts were the coolest items, but I really thought my shirt was equally cool, being unique among the stack of DO shirts. Thanks again Samantha...that shot glass is the shiite. I'll display it proudly among my other Conferedate items, until such time comes to use said shot glass;) I'm gonna turn in now, perhaps start on my second novel, The Return of the King,  seeing as how I read the other 300-odd pages in the Star Wars book last night until around three this morning. Later this afternoon, I think I'll read more of the Scrolls and perhaps post something about what they contain. I need to read that before I get a job, and because Sam seemed interested in reading them, so I don't wanna keep her waiting...I still owe her that Kellerman book back, and if I don't see you before then, I'll give it to you Friday, hon. Love to you all...later

H